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Stuart Aken

Stuart AkenStuart Aken counts himself lucky to be a writer. ‘What other job allows you to daydream, record your personal thoughts, make stuff up and then deliver it to the public?’ He finds the idea of genre too limiting to stick to one particular type of story, so writes his tales first and then looks for the label that most closely matches. He’s written romance, science fiction, horror, literary, fantasy, erotica, thriller and refuses to be pigeonholed.

Writing without pre-planned plots, he composes text on the fly, sometimes sitting down with no idea in his head and turning out a short story in an hour or two of concentrated key-thumping. Character is his driving force and he loves to get to know his players before he places them in challenging situations, allowing them to determine where the story goes. But he also loves the vicarious adventure that’s possible via writing; living several different lives through those of his characters. Emotionally, he says, the empathetic use of imagination can be very demanding. But it’s such a satisfying way to create.

Until recently, he lived in a small market town in the centre of a rural part of East Yorkshire (England) with his wife, Valerie, who acts as a beta reader. Their daughter, Kate, lately out of university and back from a trip to New Zealand and Australia, is working to save up for a return.

He and Valerie now live in the Forest of Dean. The surrounding countryside provides opportunities for peaceful walks during which he allows his mind to wander and develop ideas.

 

Stuart has been an invited contributor to several of our anthologies including those that emerged from our Sci-Fi Fusion competiton,  our 666 Horror competition and our Sci-Fan Fire and Ice competition.

 

Find out more about Stuart on his website.

 

Items 1 to 10 of 11 total

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  1. The Methuselah Strain by Stuart Aken

    The Methuselah Strain by Stuart Aken

    As the Prime Renegade plans the disabling of automatic systems that support the dwindling human population, she seeks a man to love and to father her child. The usual route of artificial insemination appeals to her about as much as the materialistic and hedonistic philosophy that now drives most people. And, secretly, forces designed to serve mankind develop a sense of superiority that might threaten human survival.

    This science fiction novelette, running to around 26,000 words, is set on Earth some few hundred years in the future. Much has happened to change the planet with which we are familiar, but human beings remain pretty much the mixed-up and flawed creatures we have always been.

    Review quotes;

    'A Top-Notch Futuristic Novella'

    'From the geographical, political, economic and technological changes to the smallest details of everyday life. Aken writes about it all with the confident unhesitating familiarity of one who has lived there.'

    'The ending was a complete surprise. Never saw that coming.'

    'Aken moves us along the story like a symphony conductor, logically and smoothly. There is an interesting and tantalizing twist at the end of the story. I challenge you to figure it out before you put the book down.'

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    Starting at: £1.99

  2. Fusion by Drew Wagar and various authors

    Fusion by Drew Wagar and various authors

    A collection of 25 stories of fantasy and science fiction from around the globe, each illustrated by digital artist Alice Taylor. This collection has been compiled from the winners of the Fantastic Books Publishing International Charity Short Story Competition 2012 and features 2 stories from our professional contributors Danuta Reah and Stuart Aken. 10% of the proceeds of this book will be donated to the WCRF (World Cancer Research Fund - Registered Charity Number - 1000739) who do sterling work in the field of global cancer prevention.

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    Starting at: £1.25

  3. Generation Mars: Blood Red Dust by Stuart Aken

    Generation Mars: Blood Red Dust by Stuart Aken

    In his science-fiction novel, Blood Red Dust, Stuart Aken sets the debates and dilemmas of the early 21st century on to a backdrop of a future where humankind has broken the bonds that tie it to Earth and has begun to colonise new planets. He follows the fate of a Chosen few as they struggle to fulfil their destiny.

    Blood Red Dust is the first book in the Generation Mars series.

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    Starting at: £2.99

  4. 666 by Michael Brookes and various authors

    666 by Michael Brookes and various authors

    The 666 horror anthology comprises stories of exactly 666 words and includes tales from Michael Brookes, Nathan Robinson, Linda Acaster, Stuart Aken, Regina Puckett and John Scotcher.

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    Starting at: £2.99

  5. Joinings by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 1

    Joinings by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 1

    When a misjudged omen undermines a tyrant’s rule, how will he ensure his survival? When the Skyfire arrives early, Dagla Kaz sets out for the ancient homeland to harvest a new Godwood and exchange Virgin Gifts. He must lead his pilgrims hundreds of leagues over pirate-infested seas, across hostile lands, and return triumphant before the seared sky dies back to normality. In his father’s absence, the renegade Aklon risks torture and death to bring justice to the people. Mindtalk with a wise woman on the distant mainland has opened his eyes to the evil underlying the society he inhabits. And, whilst seeking truth, he finds a soulmate in the most unexpected place. Seeing his daughter Tumalind wrongly chosen as a Virgin Gift, religious fanatic Aglydron follows the mission to right the wrong. Okkyntalah, her betrothed, helps kidnap the rightful victim to take her over unknown seas and lands, facing violent death at the end of their journey.

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    Starting at: £2.49

  6. Partings by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 2

    Partings by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 2

    Mistake follows mistake, but the despotic leader is determined to carry on a quest that risks disaster for all but promises reward for him. In spite of signs he may be wrong, Dagla Kaz goes ahead with the pilgrimage. Events expose the unexpected fate of his daughter, Jodisa-Li, bringing violent threat his life. Different versions of history raise serious doubts, but he still pursues the Skyfire, only to see his Virgin Gifts captured by wild men. Will he recover them intact so his mission can continue? Convinced the time is ripe for his planned uprising on the island, Aklon-Dji acts, causing civil strife and a dangerous confrontation with an army vastly outnumbering his own forces. Will his concern for justice and his willingness to trust people result in danger to his paramour, Shoarhn, and in his capture and painful death? Beset by assassins, Okkyntalah is forced into a foreign war. Wounded, he seeks the help of brave and talented women to counter fatal threats. Pursuing their dreams, he and Tumalind, face great danger, hardship, and enforced separation. Will her courage and resourcefulness allow her to remain loyal to Okkyntalah and will his tenacity rescue her from the dangers she faces? 10% of the proceeds from this book will be donated to the Action for ME charity

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    Starting at: £2.99

  7. Convergence by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 3

    Convergence by Stuart Aken - A Seared Sky - Book 3

    Wise woman, Ivdulon, finally discovers how the world is in danger, but only young Tumalind, a gifted female mindtalker, has the means to save it. 

    Dagla Kaz, fanatical High Priest, fights to prevent changes that will undo all his power and prestige, engaging with evil forces to get his way. 

    Aklon-Dji, fighting to save the future of his islanders, faces war, treachery and violent death to bring justice to his land and security to the woman he loves. 

    Tumalind, gifted and brave, faces unknown terrors and the peril of utter destruction for herself, as she sends her beloved Okkyntalah into great danger in hope of saving the world from evil. 

    This is the final instalment of Stuart’s ‘A Seared Sky’ trilogy.

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    Starting at: £2.99

  8. Generation Mars: War Over Dust by Stuart Aken

    Generation Mars: War Over Dust by Stuart Aken

    War Over Dust is the second in Stuart Aken’s Generation Mars series. In this continuation from book 1, Blood Red Dust, two communities, one a democratic technical Utopia, the other an elitist commercial ghetto, compete to rule the future of mankind on Mars, cut off from Mother Earth. Who will win when violence overcomes diplomacy to let envy and self-interest propel both groups into war?

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    Starting at: £2.99

  9. Generation Mars: Return To Dust by Stuart Aken

    Generation Mars: Return To Dust by Stuart Aken

    Return To Dust is the third in Stuart Aken’s Generation Mars series. 

    The people of Mars live in a paradise, those on Earth suffer chaotic climate change, but both must come together to defeat the controlling Artificial Intelligence that threatens everything alive.

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    Starting at: £2.99

  10. An Excess Of... by Stuart Aken

    An Excess Of... by Stuart Aken

    Six random strangers escape drowning, against the odds, when their ship is wrecked, only to be stranded on a desert island, hundreds of miles from civilisation. Dangerously at odds on many fronts, they must work together to survive, or risk violence and death in this entirely unfamiliar environment. Mutual attraction promises to make allies of two, but can romance overcome the irrational beliefs of one and build a bond through the pragmatism of the other? Learn More

    Starting at: £2.99

Items 1 to 10 of 11 total

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